Meditation

Zafu Meditation Group

This is a group dedicated to seated meditation—zazen. The focus is on straightforward meditation: silent sitting, being present in the moment. In sitting, we open our minds to the fullness of the present moment without judgement. This engaged centering informs how we move through our lives.

We meet at Oak Hill Farm in rural West Tennessee. The quiet rustic setting creates a break from the busy rush of our daily lives. A zafu is simply a round cushion, used in many traditions as a seat for meditation.

Zazen doesn’t require religious beliefs or faith in a higher power. Many people find that regular practice of meditation strengthens their existing religious foundation. Meditators may be people of any faith, or none. Here you are welcome as you are.

Practice is informed by Zen, yoga, and Quaker silent meeting. This is a practice—something to do, not simply discuss.

Ted Untei Maclin has maintained a meditation practice since 1990. He is a member of Treeleaf Zen Sangha(Soto Zen), a former board member of the Brooklyn Buddhist Association, and a member of the Memphis Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers). He has led meditation sessions for both adults and children. He also has over two decades of experience in Aikido, and is certified fukushidoin (assistant instructor) by the Aikido World Alliance.

Ellie Sherab Palmo Maclin has practiced yoga for 15 years. She took Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows with Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche at Pema Karpo Meditation Center in Memphis, TN and values the peace and equanimity of Meeting for Worship with the Memphis Society of Friends (Quakers). She loves the connection of being silent with others and the revelation of being silent alone.

“Non-duality is the key word… the body and mind are one entity, and the subject and object of meditation are one entity also.”— Thich Nhat Hanh